Green cars are feeling the brunt of falling petrol prices as reported sales of hybrids in the US fell by 42.7 per cent in December year-on-year to just 17,698 units – the lowest December figure since 2004.
Back then, there were only four hybrid models on the market so the slump is highly significant with many analysts suggesting that falling gas prices are to blame – average gas prices in the US have fallen to around $1.50 a gallon compared to $4 a gallon midway thorough 2008. In addition with the economy weakening and few consumers having cash to spend, overall sales of new cars are expected to fall dramatically.
Indeed sales of hybrid cars have taken a hit throughout the year – dropping by 10 per cent compared to the year before to 313,781 units. Hybrids hold just a 2.4 per cent share of the new vehicle market for the year.
So how well did each manufacturer do? Let’s take a look:
- Toyota – Sales of the iconic Toyota Prius fell to 7,859 units down 44.7 per cent compared to December 2007. Over the full year Prius sales fell by 12.3 per cent. The Camry Hybrid also suffered badly with just 1,888 units sold during the month down some 62 per cent compared to the previous year. Over the whole year, Camry Hybrid sales fell by more than 15 per cent. Sales of the Highlander Hybrid model also fell by 68.1 per cent in December to a mere 890 units. Full year sales were down 12.1 per cent compared to the year before. There is some good news for Toyota however, as the third-generation Prius model is expected to be unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show next week.
- Lexus - Toyota’s luxury division was also hit hard with sales of the Lexus RX 400h falling by 28 per cent year-on-year in December; the Lexus GS 450h posting a 62.5 per cent drop; and the Lexus LS 600h posting a 61.2 per cent drop. Overall sales of Lexus models for 2008 were down 12.1 per cent for the RX 400h, 58.8% for the GS 450h, with only the LS 600h up slightly by 4.6 per cent compared to the previous year although sales only began in August 2007.
- General Motors – GM had some good news as it moved into second place for total hybrid sales with its Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade representing 12.7 per cent of combined model sales. Over the course of the year GM sold 14,439 hybrid vehicles.
- Ford - Combined sales of the Escape and Mariner hybrids fell 49.3 per cent for December year on year. Over the course of 2008, Ford sold 19,522 Escape and Mariner hybrids – a fall of 22.2 per cent compared to 2007.
- Honda – Sales of the Civic Hybrid fell by 67.9 per cent to 1,036 units in December with full year sales down 3.9 per cent. The Honda Accord Hybrid sold just one vehicle during the month a drop of 94.2 per cent compared to the previous year. However, Honda will introduce the Honda Insight Hybrid at the Detroit Auto Show with sales to begin in spring.
- Nissan – Sales of the Altima Hybrid fell by 26.3 per cent in December compared to the previous year – for all of 2008, Altima sales were actually up by 5.1 per cent albeit sales were only reported from February 2007 onwards.
- Chrysler - The Aspen and Durango two-mode hybrid models sold 46 units combined in December – just 1.6 per cent of the models’ overall sales.
